Creamy Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish. This recipe takes the traditional baked ziti to the next level by adding a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s both decadent and satisfying. Get ready to indulge in layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.
## Why This Recipe Works
This creamy baked ziti recipe stands out for several reasons:
* **Creamy Sauce:** The addition of ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and mozzarella cheese creates a sauce that’s luxuriously creamy and flavorful. It’s not just a tomato-based sauce; it’s a rich, cheesy experience.
* **Rich Meat Sauce:** The meat sauce is made with ground beef and Italian sausage, providing a depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. The sauce is simmered to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a complex and satisfying taste.
* **Perfectly Cooked Pasta:** Cooking the ziti pasta al dente ensures that it holds its shape and texture in the baked dish. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, so it’s crucial to get this step right.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This recipe can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it ideal for entertaining or busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce, or substitute different types of cheese.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Ziti Pasta:** 1 pound
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound
* **Italian Sausage:** 1/2 pound, removed from casings
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Canned Crushed Tomatoes:** 28 ounces
* **Tomato Paste:** 6 ounces
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 15 ounces
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect creamy baked ziti:
### Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
### Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
### Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese (1 cup). Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
### Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
4. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
6. Pour the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese (1 cup) and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
### Step 5: Bake the Ziti
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
4. Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
## Tips for the Perfect Creamy Baked Ziti
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy in the baked dish. Check the pasta frequently as it cooks, and drain it as soon as it’s slightly firm to the bite.
* **Simmer the Sauce:** Simmering the meat sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and develop a richer, more complex taste. If you have time, simmer it for up to 1 hour for even better results.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** Using high-quality ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. Look for whole-milk ricotta and fresh mozzarella for the best results.
* **Don’t Skip the Cream:** The heavy cream is what makes this baked ziti extra creamy and decadent. Don’t be tempted to substitute it with milk or half-and-half, as it won’t provide the same richness.
* **Let It Rest:** Allowing the baked ziti to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. It also prevents the dish from being too watery.
* **Customize It:** Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce, or substitute different types of cheese. For example, you could use provolone or fontina cheese in place of mozzarella.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and add more vegetables to the sauce. You could also use a vegetarian sausage substitute.
## Variations and Add-Ins
Here are some ideas to customize your creamy baked ziti:
* **Vegetables:** Add sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor of the sauce.
* **Cheese:** Use different types of cheese in the creamy cheese mixture, such as provolone, fontina, or Gruyère.
* **Meat:** Try using ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef and Italian sausage.
* **Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier dish, or use spicy Italian sausage.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce for a more aromatic flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
Creamy baked ziti is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be served on its own or with a side salad and garlic bread. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the baked ziti.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
* **Vegetables:** Offer a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
* **Dessert:** Finish off the meal with a light dessert like tiramisu or cannoli.
## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This creamy baked ziti is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary.
**Storage Instructions:**
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the baked ziti in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
## Recipe Card
Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:
**Creamy Baked Ziti**
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 55 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 15 minutes
**Servings:** 8-10 servings
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ziti pasta
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
* 6 ounces tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage. Drain off excess grease. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30-60 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine cooked ziti with meat sauce. Pour half into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread cheese mixture over pasta. Top with remaining pasta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
## Conclusion
This creamy baked ziti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a special celebration, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
Enjoy your delicious creamy baked ziti!
**Keywords:** Baked Ziti, Creamy Baked Ziti, Pasta Recipe, Italian Food, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe, Make-Ahead Meal, Potluck Recipe, Ziti Recipe, Cheese Pasta, Meat Sauce, Baked Pasta, Italian-American Cuisine, Family Dinner, Weeknight Meal